Georgia Tech and Hyundai Motor Group have partnered to collaborate on research and applications for sustainable mobility. Their areas of focus include developing a hydrogen economy, workforce development, and creating smarter, more sustainable cities.
The Hyundai Motor Group is investing $12.6 billion in new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in Georgia, creating thousands of direct jobs. The facilities include the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) site in Bryan County, Georgia, and a battery manufacturing facility joint venture with SK On in Bartow County. The proximity of these facilities to Georgia Tech played a role in choosing the locations.
The Kia Georgia assembly plant, established in 2009, has a long history in Georgia. It was led by Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung and Executive Chair Euisun Chung. The ceremony was attended by University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, who was the Governor of Georgia at the time of the plant opening.
Hyundai Motor’s automotive operations in the U.S. economy contributed $20.1 billion and 190,000 jobs in 2021. Hyundai’s investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year.
“Like Georgia Tech, Hyundai is a global brand that is synonymous with quality, innovation, and a commitment to advancing technology to make a positive difference in the world. The more we have gotten to know each other, the more obvious the alignment of our values has become,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “I am grateful for the transformative investments Hyundai is making in our state, and I am proud that the Hyundai brand will feature prominently on our campus. I look forward to working with Hyundai leaders to deepen our partnership as we work to develop exceptional leaders and produce new ideas that will shape the automotive industry and advance mobility in the future.”
“Georgia is like a second home to us,” said Jay Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “We are a mission-driven organization with a very compelling point of view about the future. We feel a great responsibility to contribute to a sustainable future in which all humankind can live safely and healthily while enjoying freedom of movement. On behalf of all of us at Hyundai Motor Group, we are thrilled to create a partnership with Georgia Tech that includes research and applications to support the future of sustainable mobility, hydrogen economy, workforce development, and smart cities, among many other areas of cooperation. This is the beginning of a partnership that will last for decades and is one of the reasons why we chose Georgia for our EV investments.”
“Hyundai’s investments in Georgia will create tens of thousands of jobs and bring tens of billions of dollars in economic impact for decades to come,” said José Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, and President and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. “Proximity to institutions like Georgia Tech was one of the many reasons Hyundai selected Georgia for our new EV manufacturing facility.
Hyundai and Georgia Tech have joined forces envisioning a future with hydrogen-powered vehicles, advanced air mobility, and autonomous vehicles. This partnership will not only involve technological advancements but also provide opportunities for student professional development and cooperative work programs.
“Globally, we are seeing an unprecedented transformation of the mobility sector as companies move to more sustainable and responsible transportation alternatives. Georgia stands at the forefront of that change,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “By placing a strategic focus on building and contributing to an ecosystem that supports sustainable mobility, Georgia continues to add to our industry-leading success, bringing the jobs of the future home to Georgians in every corner of the state. Congratulations to Georgia Tech, Hyundai Motor Group, and all of the partners we are celebrating today.”
The elements of the Georgia Tech and Hyundai partnership include:
- Research and Innovation: Hyundai will collaborate with Georgia Tech on joint research and development programs focused on the future of sustainable mobility, including battery technology and expanding the hydrogen economy.
- Workforce Development: Georgia Tech and Hyundai will create technical training and leadership development programming for Hyundai employees and initiate engagement activities to stimulate interest in STEM degrees among students.
- Student Engagement: Hyundai will actively participate in career recruitment events at Georgia Tech and will create learning programs for both undergrad and graduate students.
Hyundai’s partnership with Georgia Tech also includes field-naming recognition at Bobby Dodd Stadium, which is now known as Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.
The benefits of the partnership for Georgia Tech and the state of Georgia are considerable as well. They include: a pathway for Georgia Tech to meet its stated goal of expanding its stature as a leading research entity in the electrification of the automotive industry and hydrogen research.